mandamus

[ man-dey-muhs ]

/ mænˈdeɪ məs /

Law.

Save This Word!

noun, plural man·da·mus·es.

a writ from a superior court to an inferior court or to an officer, corporation, etc., commanding that a specified thing be done.

verb (used with object)

to intimidate or serve with such writ.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of mandamus

From the Latin word mandāmus we command

Words nearby mandamus

-mancy, M&A, Mandaean, mandala, Mandalay, mandamus, Mandan, mandarin, mandarinate, Mandarin Chinese, mandarin collar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mandamus in a sentence

A member who has been wrongfully expelled may be restored by a mandamus proceeding issued by a court.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
This proceeding is called a mandamus, and is issued at the instance or request of the shareholders.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
As the actions of slander and libel have been described, only two others require notice, mandamus and quo warranto.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Again: "The case of the mandamus may be the cloak, but the batture is recollected with still more resentment."
The Life of John Marshall Volume 4 of 4|Albert J. Beveridge

Quamquidem deputationem mandamus eis notifficari et ipsis auditis prout juris fuerit ad ulteriora providebitur.
The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals|Edmund P. Evans

British Dictionary definitions for mandamus

mandamus

/ (mænˈdeɪməs) /

noun plural -muses

law formerly a writ from, now an order of, a superior court commanding an inferior tribunal, public official, corporation, etc, to carry out a public duty

Word Origin for mandamus

C16: Latin, literally: we command, from mandāre to command

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012